Phoenix Yacht Club

The sailing club that is owned and run by its members for its members

 Training

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Training

RYA Accreditation
The Club is an accredited RYA Recognised Training Centre. This means that Club (and affiliate Club) members can achieve their practical sail training certificates through Phoenix at a cost significantly lower than at commercial sailing schools. Both Firebird and Spellbinder are now approved training vessels. However, as they have been inspected and approved under the MCA rules relating to private members’ clubs, certificated training is not available to guest (temporary) members.

RYA training
The Club’s RYA-qualified Instructors can issue RYA certificates for practical sailing courses from ’Start Yachting’ to ‘Coastal Skipper completion’. In addition, RYA/MCA external assessments for Coastal Skipper (CS) and Yachtmaster Offshore (YM) Certificates of Competence can be arranged, following a 5-day preparation course run by the Club’s Chief Instructor. There is a daily training levy (in addition to the usual sailing fee) to help offset costs. The Club does not currently offer shorebased training, but it may be possible to organise 1-day RYA courses (including First Aid, Diesel Engine, VHF/DSC radio) for groups of members at a mutually convenient venue. Alternatively, the Club's Training Officer can advise individual members on suitable RYA courses at other locations. 

Club training
Phoenix Yacht Club is very keen to help members fulfil their training needs. The Club is strongly committed to safe sailing, and organises two-day refresher training and boat-handling courses for all levels of skill from novice to Offshore Skipper. These are open to all (including guests) and are run by experienced Club Skippers who will give participants as much hands-on experience as possible. Dates can be arranged according to demand; please contact the Club’s Training Officer.

All Club Skippers must undergo a one-day familiarisation training session before they may book Firebird.

Training Programme
The club typically runs 2 or 3 Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Preparation Weeks, plus a couple of Mile-builder events for members wishing to extend their experience.
Other courses from “Start Yachting” to Day Skipper, including the ICC, are arranged according to demand.
The programme is published by the beginning of the year.

Club Skipper Appraisal
After gaining the appropriate RYA or RYA/MCA certificate, a prospective Club Skipper may request an Appraisal by one of the Club's Skipper Appraisers before approval by the Sailing Committee as a Club Skipper. Full details of the current Skipper Appraisal procedure can be obtained from the Club's Training Officer.

Short Range Certificate (SRC) for VHF radio
All Club Skippers must hold a VHF/DSC Short Range Operator’s Certificate. Holders of the older VHF only certificate should upgrade as soon as possible.

First Aid
All Club Skippers (including Club Inshore Skippers) must hold a current First Aid certificate. This can be the RYA certificate, St. John’s Ambulance or similar, or a work-place certificate.

To discuss your training needs, contact the Training Officer.
To book on a training event, please contact the Booking Secretary.